Developing the next generation of social prescribing leaders

Applications are open for a free online programme that aims to develop leaders capable of improving the delivery of social prescribing programmes.

Re-imagining Health: Social Prescribing Leadership Programme, which comprises eight and a half days’ training between March and September 2021, is aimed at people working in the voluntary care sector, for local authorities and for primary health partnerships.

Applications are open to change agents, link workers and voluntary care sector leaders with at least three years’ experience in those sectors and who are based in the South West, Kent, Sussex or Surrey. There are 20 places available for the programme, which has been developed by the South West (SW) AHSN; Kent, Sussex and Surrey (KSS) AHSN; and Clore Social Leadership.

Dan Lyus, Partnerships Director at SW AHSN and a Clore Social Leadership Fellow, said: “This programme is a fantastic opportunity to acquire the skills needed to make a tangible difference to the way social prescribing programmes operate.

“Social prescribing is all about building relationships and collaboration, and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vital role it plays in communities up and down the country. By enrolling on this programme, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of how effective social prescribing systems work in practice and how they benefit the most disadvantaged people in society.

“Clore Social Leadership’s experts will also help you gain the attributes you need to manage situations, influence individuals and organisations, and effect system-wide change.”

Guy Boersma, Managing Director of KSS AHSN, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Clore Social Leadership and our South West AHSN partners to deliver this learning programme.

“Aside from developing resilient leaders capable of developing effective social prescribing models, this programme will help create and strengthen networks across the sector and make it easier to share best practice and knowledge.”

You can find out more and apply for the programme on the Clore Social Leadership website. Applications close at midnight on 1 March 2021 and the programme starts 22 March 2021.